‘Maybe dodged a bullet’: Company cancels offer over basic HR questions on vacation, Reddit post goes viral

In another example of questionable hiring practices, a job seeker shared on Reddit how a company rescinded its offer after she inquired about basic hiring benefits.

According to the post, the candidate received an offer letter from a company he was excited to join. However, the document raised immediate red flags – it listed only seven days of paid leave per year, available after completing one year of service.

Concerned about the lack of information, the candidate emailed the company to request details about other benefits, such as sick leave and unpaid vacation. They also asked whether it would be possible to take unpaid leave in an emergency during the first year.

Reply? Rejection letter. “They responded with a rejection message. Probably dodged a bullet,” the user wrote.

The company had previously pressed the candidate about his “lowest expected salary” and appeared impatient when told she would need to give two weeks’ notice before joining – “but we’re in a hurry,” she replied.

The post has since gone viral, sparking online conversations about toxic work cultures, poor work standards, and how some employers punish candidates simply for seeking transparency about their rights.

“Wow, 7 days off after a year??? No wonder most of the world’s workers are absolutely miserable!! What is this site?” A user wrote.

Another user commented, “Who knows if this company is the kind that pays salaries on time and at the agreed upon amount? You definitely dodged a bullet. Will be looking for a new job soon regardless.”

A third user said: “It’s crazy to me that companies don’t want people to quit without warning but aren’t willing to extend that courtesy to another company that loses that employee. You should give us two weeks notice, but let me help you build a potential bridge in the process.”

Another user wrote: “7 days of vacation would be illegal in most countries of the world.” Another user commented: “Seven days off… after a year?! I’m so glad I’m European.”